Poems (Barker)/To Allie and Hortie

by Alice J. Green Barker

To Allie and Hortie.

Joyous merry schoolgirls, happy as the day,
 Laughing, working, dancing the fleeting hours away,
In the quiet country, in the busy town,
 Schoolgirls' hearts are lighter than the thistle down.

Eyes brimful of mischief, hearts brimful of fun,
 Planning all in concert, something to be done.
Is it some hard problem, schoolgirls sweet and wise,
 That you would unravel? let me see your eyes.

Oh I love the ripple of your laughter sweet,
 Scarce you touch the daisies underneath your feet,
Merry, laughing schoolgirls, glad and gay together,
 Thanking God alike for clouds and sunny weather.

Oh! be true and tender, with gracious heart and hand,
 Soon you'll be, remember, the woman of our land;
Soon your lips will echo music sweet and true,
 The great things of to-morrow are waiting now for you.

Oh! I love the ripple of your laughter sweet,
 Scarce you touch the daisies underneath your feet.
In the quiet country, in the busy town,
 Schoolgirls hearts are lighter than the thistle down.